ESPN ranks Giants' first-round trade as best deal of draft
The Giants walked away from the 2021 NFL Draft with six talented players, along with an extra pick in three of the first four rounds of next year's draft, thanks to trades made in Rounds 1 and 2. These deals represented the first two times Dave Gettleman has traded down in the draft since he first became a general manager in 2013.
ESPN's Seth Walder ranked the top five in-draft trades from this year's festivities, and both of the Giants' trade downs made the list.
Coming in at the very top of the rankings was the Giants' first-round deal with the Chicago Bears that saw Big Blue drop nine slots from No. 11 to No. 20.
As Walder writes, "New York walks away with a ton of extra value. The expected production out of a player selected with the No. 11 pick is about 20% more than for a player at No. 20 in an average draft. In exchange for that 20%, the Giants landed an entire extra first-round pick and then some.
"If we assume the Bears' pick is in the middle of the first round next year and we don't discount any value for that extra first being in a future year (which, to be fair, there probably should be some discount), then Gettleman roughly doubled the value of his No. 11 pick with this trade. That's just good business."
As we know, the Giants would go on to select Florida WR Kadarius Toney with the No. 20 overall pick. The fifth-rounder acquired from Chicago was later used to move up in the third round to select UCF CB Aaron Robinson. The Giants still own Chicago's first- and fourth-round picks next year.
In the second round, the Giants dropped from No. 42 to No. 50 in a deal with the Miami Dolphins that saw Big Blue pick up an additional third-round pick in the 2022 draft. This trade landed at No. 5 on the list as Walder notes, "Trader Dave strikes again!
"Fresh off his Day 1 success in the trade market, Gettleman decided to take another stab -- to great success. I don't think you need approximate value or a trade chart to see why this is a winner: What's larger, the difference in value between picks No. 42 and 50 or an entire third-round pick next year?
"It's an obvious gain for the Giants, particularly considering they were able to land a falling player at a position of need in edge rusher Azeez Ojulari at No. 50."
View photos of the New York Giants 2021 NFL Draft Class.
WR Kadarius Toney, Florida - Round 1, Pick 20
LB Azeez Ojulari, Georgia - Round 2, Pick 50
CB Aaron Robinson, UCF - Round 3, Pick 71
LB Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa - Round 4, Pick 116
RB Gary Brightwell, Arizona - Round 6, Pick 196
CB Rodarius Williams, Oklahoma State - Round 6, Pick 201
Kadarius Toney during the Gators' game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Matt Stamey
during the Gators' game against the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Courtney Culbreath
during the Gators' game against the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss. / UAA Communications photo by Courtney Culbreath
Kadarius Toney during the Gators' game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Hannah White
during the Gators' game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Tim Casey
during the Gators' game against the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas / UAA Communications photo by Courtney Culbreath
during the Gators' game against the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Courtney Culbreath
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, far right, runs past the Miami defense on a 66-yard run for a touchdown off a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs for a touchdown after a catch during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney scores a touchdown against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida (1) catches a pass during the American team practice for the NCAA college football Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida (1) catches a pass during the American team practice for the NCAA college football Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida (1) during the American team practice for the NCAA college football Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs against Alabama during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs for a touchdown after a catch during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
American Team wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida (1) runs during the American Team practice for the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a 16-yard touchdown against Missouri during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) scores a touchdown during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs after a reception before he being stopped by the Missouri defense during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) catches a touchdown pass against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route in front of Arkansas defensive back LaDarrius Bishop (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs for yardage against Georgia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) stretches for more yards as his is tackled by Texas A&M defensive back Keldrick Carper (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) sets up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) gets past South Carolina defensive back John Dixon (22) for a 57-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, left, runs past Florida State linebacker Leonard Warner IIIduring the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs past Florida State defensive end Dennis Briggs Jr. (58) and linebacker Adonis Thomas, right, for a long gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, left, tries to escape the grasp of Florida State defensive back Levonta Taylor, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs against Vanderbilt during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, left, catches a pass as Missouri defensive back DeMarkus Acy (2) and safety Joshuah Bledsoe (18) defend during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Columbia, Mo. Florida won 23-6. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs against Vanderbilt during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a pass pattern against Miami during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida running back Kadarius Toney (4) leaps toward the end zone against Michigan defensive back Lavert Hill (24) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a pass pattern against Miami during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) plays against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari rushes the Arkansas State line during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) celebrates with his teammates after a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) celebrates with defensive lineman Travon Walker (44) after a sack during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia defensive Azeez Ojulari (13) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, watches Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari hold the championship tropy as Georgia place kicker Jack Podlesny (96) looks on after the Peach Bowl NCAA college football gameagainst Cincinnati, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. Georgia won 22-21. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari rushes the line during an NCAA football gameagainst Arkansas State on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) celebrates after a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Defensive player of the game, Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari holds the championship trophy after the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. Georgia won 22-21. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) celebrates a sack with defensive back Mark Webb (23) against Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Riley Neal (6) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Georgia defensive Azeez Ojulari (13) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) celebrates a sack with defensive back Mark Webb (23) against Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Riley Neal (6) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs a short shuttle during the pro day event, Wednesday , March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia defensive back Azeez Ojulari (13) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia defensive back Azeez Ojulari (13) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Georgia defensive back Azeez Ojulari (13) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) attempts a broad jump during the pro day event, Wednesday , March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) runs position drills during the pro day event, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (21) attempts a vertical jump during the pro day event, Wednesday , March 17, 2021 in Athen, Ga. (Alika Jenner via AP)
American Team defensive back Aaron Robinson of UCF (31) and American Team wide receiver Trevon Grimes of Florida (8) run a drill during the American Team practice for the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
American Team defensive back Aaron Robinson of UCF (31) catches during the American Team practice for the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
American Team defensive back Aaron Robinson of UCF (31) catches during the American Team practice for the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game, against Tulsa Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) follows a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) celebrates after a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) defends against Tulsa wide receiver Keylon Stokes (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) defends against Tulsa wide receiver Keylon Stokes (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tulsa running back T.K. Wilkerson (21) is tackled by Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) after rushing for yardage during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) tackles Pittsburgh wide receiver Maurice Ffrench (2) after he made a catch during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) returns an interception to the 1-yard line as Stanford wide receiver Connor Wedington (5) chases during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson runs after intercepting a pass against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) tips the ball away from Houston wide receiver Marquez Stevenson (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019.Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) follows a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson runs after intercepting a pass against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson, center, and defensive back Richie Grant, right, break up a pass intended for Temple wide receiver Ventell Bryant (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) sets up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Navy Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. UCF won 35-24. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson runs after intercepting a pass against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) sets up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Navy Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. UCF won 35-24. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
American Team wide receiver Amari Rodgers of Clemson (3)is tackled by National Team defensive lineman Elerson Smith of Northern Iowa (FCS) (47) during the first half of the NCAA college football Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
National Team offensive lineman Spencer Brown of Northern Iowa (FCS) (76) blocks defensive lineman Elerson Smith of Northern Iowa (FCS) (47) during the National team practice for the NCAA college Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
National Team defensive lineman Elerson Smith of Northern Iowa (FCS) (47) walks on the sidelines during the first half of the NCAA college football Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
National Team defensive lineman Rashad Weaver of Pittsburgh (17) runs a drill with defensive lineman Elerson Smith of Northern Iowa (FCS) (47) during the National Team practice for the Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
National Team defensive lineman Elerson Smith of Northern Iowa (FCS) (47) runs a drill during the National Team practice for the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
National Team defensive lineman Elerson Smith of Northern Iowa (FCS) (47) runs a drill with defensive lineman Tarron Jackson of Coastal Carolina (99) during the National Team practice for the Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
National Team defensive lineman Elerson Smith of Northern Iowa (FCS) (47) runs a drill with defensive lineman Tarron Jackson of Coastal Carolina (99) during the National Team practice for the Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) runs the ball against Arizona State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Oregon State, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Oregon State defeated Arizona 56-38. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell, center, runs as Washington's Edefuan Ulofoshio (48) and Josiah Bronson (11) move in during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) runs behind the line of scrimmage as quarterback Grant Gunnell waits for the snap against during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Washington on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Southern California linebacker Drake Jackson (99) tackles Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the second half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. Southern California won 34-30. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell, right, runs by Oregon State linebacker Riley Sharp, left, in the second half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Oregon State defeated Arizona 56-38. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. Southern California won 34-30. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (0) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. Southern California won 34-30. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Oregon State, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Oregon State defeated Arizona 56-38. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) scores a touchdown against Oregon State in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Wildcats running back Gary Brightwell (23) before the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Oregon State, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Oregon State defeated Arizona 56-38. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Oregon State, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Oregon State defeated Arizona 56-38. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) tries to avoid Oregon State defensive back Jojo Forest in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona's Gary Brightwell (23) is brought down by Arizona State's Evan Fields (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell, right, scores a touchdown against UCLA in the second half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona defeated UCLA 20-17. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) runs through the Hawaii defense during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Northern Arizona, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) runs with the ball against Texas Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell, left, tries to get away from Washington State linebacker Peyton Pelluer (47) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) stands with his teammates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell catches a pass prior to an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) runs away from Northern Arizona defensive back Anthony Sweeney in the second half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) scores a touchdown against Northern Arizona in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate (14) hands the ball off to running back Gary Brightwell during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) lines up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Southern Utah, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) during an NCAA college football game against Oregon, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell, left, is tackled by Utah defensive end Caleb Repp, right, in the second half during an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell, right, is tackled by Houston linebacker Roman Brown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
CB Rodarius Williams
Image Taken at the Oklahoma State Cowboys vs West Virginia Mountaineers Football Game, Saturday, September 26, 2020, Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK. Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics
Oklahoma State cornerback Rodarius Williams, left, fights for the ball with Kansas wide receiver Andrew Parchment (4) on a pass play in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Officials ruled Parchment caught the pass. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Oklahoma State's Rodarius Williams (8) tackles Texas Tech's T.J. Vasher (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Brad Tollefson)
Texas A&M wide receiver Quartney Davis (1) is tackled by Oklahoma State cornerback Rodarius Williams (8) during the first half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Oklahoma State cornerback Rodarius Williams (8) and Oklahoma State safety Tre Sterling (3) look to the sidelines during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Stillwater, Okla. Oklahoma State defeated Iowa State 24-21.(AP Photo/Brody Schmidt)
Oklahoma State cornerback Rodarius Williams (8) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State wide receiver Allen Lazard, right, in the end zone during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames, Iowa. Oklahoma State won 49-42. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Image Taken at the Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Game, Saturday, November 28, 2020, Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK. Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics
Image of Oklahoma State Cowboy Football Player Taken Wednesday, July 17, 2019, Orange Power Studios, Stillwater, OK. Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs position drills during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams attempts a broad jump during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams looks on during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams warms up during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams attempts a vertical jump during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams sits for photos after the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs a short shuttle during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs a short shuttle during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams sits for photos after the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs position drills during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs a short shuttle during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs position drills during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs position drills during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs position drills during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs a 3 cone shuttle during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs position drills during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs position drills during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams runs position drills during the pro day event, Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Stillwater, Okla. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Kadarius Toney can be 'chess piece' for Daniel Jones
David Morris has trained Eli Manning and Daniel Jones. In an alternate universe, he may have worked with a third Giants quarterback – Kadarius Toney.
"He's told me Kadarius can throw it over 70 [yards] from his feet," Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said on the Giants Huddle podcast about the founder of the Alabama-based QB Country. "I don't know about from the knee, but he said, he's like, 'Jim, I've really thought that if someone had given Kadarius a chance to play quarterback, he could have ended up being Lamar Jackson."
In the not too distant past, the wide receiver, recently selected by the Giants in the first round, finished his senior season at Blount High School with 2,894 yards and 32 touchdowns through the air in addition to 894 yards and 15 scores on the ground. Toney grew up in the shadow of the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., where Nagy has heard all the tall tales. They followed him to college in Gainesville, Fla.
"He was the most dynamic player on the field then," said Nagy, who was a scout for the Seattle Seahawks at the time when Toney was a true freshman at the University of Florida. "And this was a receiver group that had Van Jefferson and Tyrie Cleveland and Freddie Swain – all these guys that are playing in the NFL, so it's not like it was a group devoid of talent. I've been scouting Kadarius a long time."
Their paths crossed again at the annual all-star game for the nation's top outgoing seniors. A total of 106 picks, or 41 percent of the 2021 draft class, participated in the Senior Bowl. That rate was even greater for the Giants as four players – Toney, linebacker Elerson Smith (fourth round), and cornerbacks Aaron Robinson (third) and Rodarius Williams (sixth) – in their six-man draft class accepted invites to Mobile in January.
Toney "really put on a show" and was voted by the defensive backs as the top wide receiver on the American Team during the week of practices.
"He's a phenomenal athlete," Nagy said. "I thought he was the best change-of-direction athlete in the draft. I thought he was the second-most dynamic player in the draft behind Jaylen Waddle at Alabama, and that's pretty high praise because Jaylen's elite. Jaylen is going to be a great pro. It was a great pick for the Giants. I know that [Giants general manager] Dave Gettleman doesn't typically trade back, so when he traded back and then to get Kadarius, I thought that was great to stockpile picks for next year. … I really felt that Dave nailed the draft this year. I thought he did as good a job as anybody in the league at maneuvering around and adding pieces."
Inside the Film Room: LB Azeez Ojulari can bend the edge
Check out the video below to watch two-time Super Bowl champion David Diehl and Giants.com's John Scmeelk break down the film of second-round pick Azeez Ojulari.
